Moldova’s President Appoints Justice Minister Vitalie Pirlog as Acting Prime Minister

Greceanii, memeber of the Communist Party led by Voronin, resigned on Wednesday, saying she was unable to simultaneously hold the posts of prime minister and member of pariament at the same time.

"The President has signed a decree appointing Justice Minister Vitalie Pirlog as acting Prime Minister from September 14 until a new government is formed," Voronin's office said in a statement.

Under Moldova's constitution, parliament elects the president who then appoints the government. Moldova's new parliament, formed as a result of snap elections held on July 29, has set no date for electing the new head of state yet. Moldova held snap elections after the previous legislature twice failed to elect the new head of state and had to be dissolved as required by the constitution.

Voronin, who has served two four year-terms since 2001, is barred from seeking a third term by the constitution. He has said he will resign this week to focus on his work as member of the parliamentary group of the Communist Party.

Four liberal pro-Western opposition parties - the Liberal Democratic Party, the Liberal party, the Moldovan Democratic Party , and "Our Moldova" alliance - together have 53 seats in parliament, short of the 61 seats majority needed to elect the country's next president. The Communist Party, in power since 2001, has 48 seats in the legislature.